sound tempting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sound tempting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that appears attractive or appealing, often in the context of food, offers, or opportunities. Example: "The dessert menu at the restaurant really sounds tempting, especially the chocolate lava cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

If you're frequently checking bags and buying seats with more legroom, a subscription may sound tempting.

The New York Times - Travel

But it does sound, I'm not going to lie, sound tempting.

Harvard Business Review

The menu includes stuffed watermelons and ice pops, which sound tempting until you hear the ingredients.

The New York Times

The plan might sound tempting for a desperate Washington, but it's too reminiscent of how the economy first fell into trouble.

The New York Times

If that doesn't sound tempting enough, North African restaurant Moro and chef Mark Hix will serve meals in huge tents with hay bales for seats.

Independent

While the idea of locking in a price may sound tempting, it's crucial to understand exactly what $1,000 today will buy you when your child finally goes to college.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The concept sounds tempting.

The Economist

It sounds tempting.

The New York Times

Yours sincerely, Frances Gosh, it sounds tempting.

Independent

Better pay and hours – sounds tempting.

The Guardian

A life of wealth and leisure sounded tempting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sound tempting" when you want to convey that something is initially attractive or appealing based on the description or idea, even if the reality might be different. For example, "A week in the Bahamas might sound tempting, but can you afford it?"

Common error

Avoid using "sound tempting" when you want to express genuine, confirmed desirability after thorough consideration. It's better suited for conveying initial reactions or surface-level attraction. For deeper appeal, use "is genuinely appealing" or "is highly desirable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound tempting" functions primarily as a subject complement, linking a subject to a descriptive adjective. It expresses a subjective assessment of initial attractiveness or appeal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sound tempting" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that initially appears attractive or appealing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to news articles. While the phrase is generally used to express initial attraction, it's important to consider whether a more detailed or confirmed level of desirability would be more accurate. For alternatives, you might consider "seem appealing" or "appear enticing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem appealing

Replaces "sound" with "seem", focusing on the appearance of being attractive.

appear enticing

Uses "appear" instead of "sound", emphasizing visual attractiveness.

be attractive

A more direct and general way of saying something is appealing.

be alluring

Suggests a captivating and seductive quality.

be inviting

Highlights the welcoming and pleasant nature of something.

hold appeal

Emphasizes the inherent attractiveness of something.

strike as pleasant

Focuses on the positive impression something creates.

look promising

Indicates something has the potential to be good or successful.

be desirable

Highlights the wish or need for something

tickle one's fancy

An idiom expressing something is intriguing or appealing

FAQs

How can I use "sound tempting" in a sentence?

You can use "sound tempting" to describe something that seems attractive or appealing at first glance. For example, "The job offer sounds tempting, but I need to consider the work-life balance."

What can I say instead of "sound tempting"?

You can use alternatives like "seem appealing", "appear enticing", or "be attractive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "sound temptingly"?

No, the correct phrase is "sound tempting". "Tempting" is an adjective describing how something sounds, while "temptingly" is an adverb and doesn't fit grammatically in this phrase.

What's the difference between "sound tempting" and "sounds tempting"?

"Sound tempting" is used when the subject is plural or when referring to a general concept. "Sounds tempting" is used when the subject is singular. For example, "Those cookies sound tempting", vs. "That cookie sounds tempting".